The future of health tracking is here, and it’s fast.
A new FDA-approved thermometer doesn’t just check your temperature, but also monitors other key health metrics, some of which would normally require a visit to a doctor’s office.
And it can take each of these measurements in a matter of seconds.
Combining three unique health tools into one easy-to-use item, the $249.95 BeamO thermometer was introduced by health tech company Withings in November.
The new device merges a thermometer, stethoscope and electrocardiogram (ECG) into one single handheld gadget that’s compact enough to fit into any medicine cabinet.
Its thermometer function takes seconds. Instead of placing it under the tongue — which can spread germs to the rest of the family — you simply select the user and move the device from the front of the forehead to the temple.
The stethoscope can let you listen to your heart rate and your lungs, simply by holding the device to your chest.
Finally, the ECG strips away a lot of the hassle that’s usually involves when you get one at a doctor’s office. There, these require wearing a gown and having sticky electrodes placed on your chest.
With the BeamO, it’s 30 seconds and you’re done. The apparatus has two electrodes that perform a medically certified ECG, and then displays the results on the LED screen.
An ECG is vital for proactive heart health monitoring and early detection of serious issues, especially if you feel dizzy, are having heart palpitations or experiencing shortness of breath — so it can be a huge help for some people to be able to perform one at home.
It’s no wonder the brand is calling it the “thermometer of the future.”
“It’s the ‘thermometer of the future’ because it takes the most fundamental and universally understood action — checking a fever — and layers other critical health measurements, all in one sleek, user-friendly device,” Paul Buckley, Withings’ Director of Sales and Marketing, Americas, told The Post.
“BeamO’s sensors, combined with the Withings app, enable users to log family health data, track trends and easily share complete medical reports with doctors, offering a holistic and contextual view of their health,” he said.
With a $10-per-month Withings+ subscription, those in the US and Europe also have a remote cardiac health assessment performed by a cardiologist within 24 hours.
Tracking these and other measures over time is especially important during the winter season when viral infections — like the super flu, which has reached record highs in New York — are more prevalent, according to Buckley.
“[This information] can help doctors assess respiratory conditions more effectively,” he added.
While everyone can use the handheld gizmo for better health monitoring, Buckley notes two groups in particular that would greatly benefit: those with young children and the aging population.
“Fevers, coughs and respiratory distress are common,” he said.
“BeamO allows parents to quickly and accurately get medical-grade measurements to share with a pediatrician, especially in the middle of the night, reducing anxiety and unnecessary emergency room visits,” Buckley added.
Meanwhile, routine heart health monitoring is crucial, especially among high-risk individuals over 50 or those with a history of cardiovascular issues.
“As people age, monitoring heart and respiratory health becomes increasingly important,” Buckley explained. The device lets older adults do comprehensive checks more frequently,
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